Why be Cost Effective (even with a flat fee contract)?
In academia, students have the luxury of free LexisNexis and Westlaw. In the practicing world, firm economics limit the resources available to clerks and associates. While most firms pay a flat fee for Lexis and Westlaw (amount paid by the firm does not increase with usage), cost effectiveness is still important because:
1. A firm may purchase only part of Lexis or Westlaw, for example, Ohio materials, and must pay extra for off-plan materials accessed.
2. Firms may bill back to the client based upon the number of searches or number of documents retrieved.
3. The usage rates for Westlaw impacts the amount Westlaw will charge for next year's contract. Lexis says they no longer do this.
The techniques and tips offered here should help you conduct legal research in an efficient and cost-effective manner. See Cost Effective PowerPoint
Recommended Treatise
K87 .L48 2010
CALI Lessons
- Cost of Legal ResearchThis lesson will help you avoid the pitfalls of poor research strategy when using Lexis® service and Westlaw® and briefly introduce you to some cost-saving alternatives.
- The Legal Research Game: Fee or Free Edition
- Hold 'em, Fold 'em, Walk Away or Run: When to Stop the Search
Need Help?
Contact a Law Librarian:
research.services@law.csuohio.edu
Phone (Voice):216-687-6877
Text messages only: 216-539-3331
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